Book 8 Summary and Analysis

Book Eight marks a significant shift in the geographic focus of events within the text. The Athenian defeat and rout at Syracuse effectively removes Sicily and Italy from further significance within the text. The Attica-Euboea-Boeotia-Peloponnesus Theater remains significant as the seat of power, but various islands gain a clear ascendancy in military focus. Samos, Chios, and Sardis are all areas of dominant military action in this segment of the text. Miletus, Lesbos, and Asia, as well, are areas of significant focus. As the Athenian empire loses cohesion, the war widens into outlying areas and political intrigue gains great significance.

Although shocked by the news of the defeat the Athenians—apparently not yet realizing the full implications of the disaster—vote to build more ships and press forward with the war. Meanwhile the Peloponnesians plan a decisive action against Athens...